The Bombay High Court has directed the removal of six YouTube videos that allegedly contain defamatory content against BJP leader and Maharashtra Cabinet Minister Girish Mahajan. The court passed an ad-interim order on May 8, 2025, in a suit filed by Mahajan against two YouTubers and journalists—Anil Thatte and Shyam Giri—who run the YouTube channels ‘Anil Gaganbhedi Thatte’ and ‘Mudda Bharat Ka’.
Justice Arif Doctor, a single-judge bench, granted interim relief in favour of Mahajan after finding that the videos made “per se defamatory” statements. The court restrained both journalists from uploading or circulating such content in the future.
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"I find that a case for the grant of ad interim relief has been made out. The statements made by Defendant No. 1 in the videos as discerned from the transcripts are in my prima facie view per se defamatory," the court stated.
The order noted that despite being served, Thatte failed to appear before the court or justify the statements made in the videos. As a result, the court granted relief in terms of prayer clauses (a) and (c), which sought the removal of the videos and a restraining order against further uploads.
According to Mahajan’s complaint, six videos were uploaded between April 1 and April 14, 2025—five on Thatte’s channel and one by Giri—containing false and malicious allegations aimed at damaging his public image. Among the videos cited were ones titled “How Girish Mahajan’s Nights are Colourful” and “Girish Mahajan wants 100 Crores… another sensational revelation.” These videos allegedly linked Mahajan to inappropriate conduct with a senior IAS officer and financial impropriety.
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Senior Advocate Ravi Kadam, representing Mahajan, submitted that the defamatory content had reached thousands of viewers and severely impacted Mahajan's reputation and goodwill. He emphasized that a cease-and-desist notice had been served to both defendants, yet the videos continued to be published. Kadam also pointed out that one of the defendants mocked the legal notice publicly.
“The continued publication of these videos is gravely affecting my client’s reputation and goodwill,” Kadam told the court.
The court agreed with the submissions and held that Mahajan had established a strong prima facie case. It also acknowledged the potential for irreparable harm to Mahajan’s reputation if such content were to remain online.
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Justice Doctor issued a clear directive for YouTube to take down the specified videos and directed the defendants not to post similar content until the next hearing.
“Defendants are restrained from uploading any further videos containing similar allegations or any other content defamatory to the Plaintiff,” the judge ordered.
Appearance:
Senior Advocate Ravi Kadam appeared for the Plaintiff along with Advocates Mayur Khandeparkar, Rohan Kadam, Prahlad Paranjpe, Shubra Paranjpe, Rushikesh Mundargi, Manish Kelkar, Subir Sarkar, Ativ Patel, Harshad Vyas, Viloma Shah, Viraj Raiyani, and Yash Tembhe, instructed by AVP Partners.
Advocate Charu Shukla appeared for YouTube.
Case Title: Girish Dattatray Mahajan vs Anil Thatte & Ors.
Suit No.: Suit (L) No. 14435 of 2025
